Anna Calvi is a new name to me, another of the great string of female singers emerging from the UK. Once again it is the visuals, I saw the album cover and was intrigued enough to seek her out.
I'm so glad I did. This first single of hers is an old favorite song of mine, when I was a kid the version in the charts was by Frankie Laine. If you have never heard that version I urge you to go listen to it here. Frankie's version was one of the best ever in my opinion, having said that I also enjoyed various remakes over the years in particular versions by The Everly Brothers and also the Gene Vincent version.
This young lady does the song proud, very dramatic version. Maybe my new favorite.
Jezebel
Here is the video for Anna Calvi's debut single, "Jezebel", released on 11th October.
Beautifully shot by Emma Nathan, the video was recorded and filmed live at the Luminaire in London and features Anna Calvi (vocals/ guitar) performing with her band Mally Harpaz (harmonium/ percussion) and Daniel Maiden-Wood (drums). Her intense performance is full of passion and startling beauty.
"Jezebel", a reworking of the Wayne Shanklin track (made famous by French chanteuse, Edith Piaf) is released through Domino as a double A-Side backed with "Moulinette", and will be available on limited edition 7" (RUG379) and via digital download (RUG379D).
This is the other side of the double "A" side single release. Also recorded at the Luminaire with the same personnel as above.
Moulinette
And how about a cover of a great Leonard Cohen tune.
Joan Of Arc
About this song Anna says "My interpretation of this song is instrumental, as I found the lyrics to be so atmospheric I wanted to write my own piece of music which was inspired by the story that unfolds in each verse. Therefore there are four parts to the instrumental, as there are four verses. After each verse Cohen returns to the same refrain, which he sings a beautiful tune just with 'la's'. After each verse I also return to this melody. I just wanted to capture the story which is so beautifully told, with music. I hope you enjoy."
I'm enjoying.
And finally for today here is track ten from the new album. Which will be released in two weeks.
And if this doesn't get you lining up to order this album, I'll be surprised.
Love Won't Be Leaving
She was also reported by Last FM to have said “I’m half Italian, brought up in London, but spent a lot of time in Rome. All my family play music. My influences are Django Reinhardt, John McLaughlin, David Bowie, Nick Cave, Velvet Underground, Roy Orbison. Although I love pop music my guitar playing and song writing is also heavily influenced by classical music, namely Messiaen, Ravel, and Debussy.
Impressive line of influence.
